The Scotts Mills area offers camping opportunities at elevations between 300-1,500 feet with mild temperatures from May through October. Winter camping is possible but often wet with overnight temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though facilities like showers may close during winter months.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Silver Falls State Park Campground provides access to impressive waterfall hikes with varying difficulty levels. "THE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain," advises Melissa L. about the Silver Falls State Park Campground.
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park features tournament-quality disc golf courses. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress. Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event," notes Steve C. about the Milo McIver State Park Campground.
Boat access: The Molalla River provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. "BLM Molalla River Recreation Area offers right on the Molalla river with excellent pet access to water. Great swimming hole, a little noisy at night when we stayed on a Thursday but other than that, a great spot to enjoy nature," shares Shay Renee B. about the area.
Adventure activities: For families seeking structured outdoor adventures, "We had a great time at Camp Dakota. Our yurt was comfortable and we enjoyed disc golf, archery, axe throwing, a fun general store and an escape room. We came in thinking it was a little on the spendy side, to ending up thinking it was a bargain," reports Bjorn S.
What campers like
Historical sites: Champoeg State Heritage Area offers educational opportunities alongside camping. "Old little pioneer town. Has yurts and lots of hiking. Pet-friendly," mentions Derek B. about the Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground. The park's historical significance adds an educational element to the camping experience.
Creek-side campsites: Several campgrounds feature creek access distinct from river sites. "A creek at the campground and a river on the day use side. Beautiful park. Clean bathrooms!!" notes Mickie V. about Feyrer Park. Creek sites typically offer more shade and cooler temperatures during summer months.
Modern cabins: For those seeking dog friendly campgrounds near Scotts Mills with more comfort, Smith Creek Village provides quality cabin options. "Smith Creek Village is such a great place for easy lodging in nature. My family stayed in one of the tiny cabins. The cabin was very clean and well kept. The cabin was nearby a few other similar cabins, but everything felt very private," shares Derek N.
Biking trails: Paved and unpaved cycling paths connect many campgrounds. "Great biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well. Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river," comments Scott W. about Champoeg State Heritage Area.
What you should know
Winter camping conditions: Most campgrounds remain open year-round but with limited facilities. "We love to stay here when all the other campgrounds close. Nice hiking trails. The rangers are very nice. Beautiful scenery," explains Somer L. about Champoeg State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife visits, including small mammals. "On the first night we were awoken to rustling through our stuff in the other room and when I checked it out a mouse booked it out of there. Not a big deal but my fiance and I found it a little hard to sleep after that. Be sure to keep any food in your car rather than the cabin," advises Graham C. about Smith Creek Village.
Water safety: Rocky river bottoms require appropriate footwear. "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" cautions Kierra K. about Three Bears Recreation Site.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "I had fantastic cell service here (AT&T) and was able to text, call, and go online on my phone (which is nice since I work online)," reports Lauren A. about Smith Creek Village.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Scotts Mills feature play areas for children. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" shares April F. about Silver Falls State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" mentions Leslie C. about Champoeg State Heritage Area.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Several parks offer shorter trails suitable for young hikers. "Beautiful waterfalls with many options for different lengths of hikes. Also a few nice paved bike paths," notes Annie H. about Silver Falls State Park.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with proximity to amenities based on family needs. "I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time!" recommends Melissa L. about Silver Falls.
Tips from RVers
RV site sizing: Many campgrounds have size limitations. "Only giving a 4star rating for the very small RV spaces. Was very crammed for anything more than a last minute stay," cautions Andy B. about Silver Spur RV Park & Resort.
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "While the park is nice and well maintained, the B lot backs right up to the highway with unbearable road noise. Had two nights planned but will be leaving after the first," warns Scott S. about Silver Spur RV Park.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary between campgrounds. "The RV spaces are very easy to get into being angled. We stayed in a pull through space, easy in and easy out," explains Andy B. about Silver Spur RV Park.
Site spacing quality: Privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds. "Awesome campground. Well maintained. Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean. Roads and campsites are paved and level," comments Richard H. about Silver Falls State Park.
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